Adrian Kempe picked up three points (2g,1a), while Quinton Byfield netted the game winning goal for the Kings on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The Flyers, on the other hand, have lost 11 of their last 13 games, currently riding a four game losing streak. Let’s wrap:
Z Breaks Through
Just 39 seconds into the second period, Trevor Zegras got the Flyers on the board to cut the Kings 2-0 lead in half on the powerplay. The scoring sequence was a tic-tack-toe seam passing exchange between Travis Konecny and Bobby Brink before Brink finally found Zegras drifting to the far post for the one time shot. The goal was Zegras’ 20th of the season and his first 20-goal campaign since 2022-23 when he lit the lamp 23 times.
“I think our entries are getting a little bit better,” Zegras said of the powerplay. “We had a game plan, especially versus these guys who have an aggressive kill and we got one. I didn’t think our second one was very good though.”
Moreover, Zegras spent a good portion of this game playing center, as opposed to playing his normal wing position. He played at the pivot Thursday in Boston against the Bruins too, but didn’t fare particularly well. Zegras logged 16:41 TOI in that game, registered a minus two plus/minus rating and won just 8% of his faceoffs in a 6-3 loss. Flanked by Matvei Michkov and Bobby Brink, Zegras and his linemates performed much better Saturday.
“I think we were moving our feet without the puck which is great,” Zegras said. “I thought Bob was great tonight, getting over atop of people. When guys are doing that stuff and you’re getting turnovers, that’s where the skill comes out. I thought those guys were great.”
Elevated Rist(o)
Like the Zegras tally before it, the Flyers wasted little time getting on the board in the third period to tie the game. This time just 25 seconds into the final frame, defensemen Rasmus Ristolanien one timed a puck from Nikita Grebenkin on goal. One way to the net, Travis Konecny was able to redirect the shot past Kings’ goaltender Darcy Kuemper to tie the game at 2-2. Konecny has caught fire recently, registering eight points (5g, 3a) in his last five games.
“We were buzzing,” Konecny said. ” Making some good plays, a couple of bounces that easily could have went in, you know?”
The Flyers couldn’t find the game winner in regulation. Had they been able to, it would’ve been their 16th comeback win of the season, which would have passed the Predators and Red Wings (both w/ 15) for the second most in the NHL. It’s hard to play that way obviously, especially when it’s not simply a one-goal deficit, but often a two or more goal one.
Beat by Byfield
Los Angeles held the possession advantage for most of the overtime frame, but the Flyers nearly won the game anyhow. Travis Konecny jumped on a loose puck for a breakaway, but rung the shot off the post. The Kings regained possession after the chance as Quinton Byfield scored at 2:48 of overtime, scoring on a wrist shot from the right face-off circle for his 10th goal of the season.
“I do like the resolve in the group,” Rick Tocchet said. “We hung in there. TK’s been hot and unfortunately hits the post. Then all of the sudden, it’s a different narrative, but we lost. That’s the way it works.”
They Said It
Tocchet on playing through adversity:“I’ve been in the league 40 years, there are highs and lows. You’re going to get punched in the mouth and you’ve just got to keep believing in what you’re doing, the way you approach the game.”
Dan Vladar on the team’s push for the playoffs: “Maybe you guys are doubting us, we are not doubting ourselves. This is just a stretch that we know comes for every team. We still believe the season is not over.”
Did You Know?
According to NHL stats, Trevor Zegras became the third Flyer this past decade to have reached the 20-goal mark in his first season with the club. The others? Matvei Michkov (26 in 24-25), Cam Atkinson (23 in 21-22) and Kevin Hayes (23 in 19-20).
On Deck
The Flyers will continue to a three game homestand on Tuesday night, when they play host to the Washington Capitals. Puckdrop is set for 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast locally on NBCSP.
